November 2018 Auction Ends Thursday, November 8th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/8/2018
Franklin D. Roosevelt letter signed with full ''Franklin D. Roosevelt'' signature on 29 November 1926, addressed to Helena Mahoney, Roosevelt's physical therapist who famously helped design and implement the polio treatment facility at Warm Springs, which launched earlier in 1926. Helena Mahoney had worked under polio expert Dr. Leroy Hubbard, and was recruited by Roosevelt, along with Dr. Hubbard, after Roosevelt contracted the disease. Warm Springs was built under her guiding influence and she is credited as the person most instrumental in helping FDR transition to life post-polio, both physically and mentally.
In this letter, Roosevelt's excitement about the Institute is palpable, with attention to details including building more cottages and knowledge of specific patients. Written on Roosevelt's custom stationery, letter reads in part, ''...I will talk over better heating, etc. conditions, and my present thought is that we must put at least two additional cottages into good shape for winter patients. I have an idea that a good many people - I mean four or five - will come to us by the end of January. We must have properly heated indoor conditions and also proper places outdoors to catch all the sunshine we can. Don't forget that December 21st is the shortest day of the year and that by the end of January, the sun will be much higher and vastly warmer. / I think you were right about not having the Cohen child immediately, but I think we ought to take her just as soon as we can. By next year we will surely have central steamheat for everybody. / I hope to get the Medical Committee's report in a few days. Give my best to Fred and the Veeders. I wish I could be down there to help out on these problems...[signed] Franklin D. Roosevelt''. Single page letter measures 7.25'' x 10.5''. Folds with one just touching the top of the signature, else near fine.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Letter Signed From 1926, With Full ''Franklin D. Roosevelt'' Signature -- FDR Writes His Polio Therapist Helena Mahoney Shortly After the Launch of the Warm Springs Institute
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